CONVICTION
There are several reasons why the requirement that every member of a jury must vote for conviction before a person can be found guilty of a crime is in place:
- The requirement for a unanimous verdict helps to ensure that the defendant is not convicted unless there is a high level of agreement among the jurors that they are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This helps to prevent wrongful convictions and protect the rights of the accused.
- A unanimous verdict helps to ensure that all jurors have thoroughly considered the evidence and arguments presented during the trial. It requires them to engage in deliberation and come to a consensus about the guilt of the defendant, rather than simply relying on the opinions of a few jurors.
- A unanimous verdict is more likely to be viewed as fair and legitimate by the general public, as it demonstrates that all jurors were in agreement about the verdict. This can help to maintain public trust in the justice system.
- The requirement for a unanimous verdict can also help to prevent deadlocks and mistrials, as it ensures that all jurors are in agreement about the verdict before it can be returned.
To conclude, the requirement for a unanimous verdict helps to ensure that defendants are not convicted unless there is a high level of agreement among the jurors that they are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and helps to protect the rights of the accused and maintain public trust in the justice system.
Hope This Helps You!